The signal was down for about half an hour and was restored at 10:06 p.m. PT. But that meant HD viewers didn't get to witness history in the making — or, at least, a Spice Girls reunion (pictured above).

It was only the latest frustration for Olympics viewers: Many also complained NBC's editing of the closing ceremonies, which left out performances by Ray Davies, Kate Bush, a special Olympics theme song by Muse, the Who and part of a performance Queen. Instead, it aired the first episode of its new fall sitcom "Animal Practice."

NBC also took heat during the course of the Olympics for its tape-delayed coverage, and the network spoiling that U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin won a gold medal in a promo for "Today."